Application of adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence for hygiene assessment in a veterinary medical center

To assess the effectiveness of cleaning protocols and support infection prevention efforts, we instituted ATP bioluminometer monitoring at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. Our objective with this serial cross-sectional study was to summarize our ATP bioluminescence reading from animal and human contact areas and the impact of seasonality.

From April 2020 through November 2023, swabs were collected from common contact surfaces at the hospital. Using the 3M Clean-Trace ATP Luminometer, relative light units (RLUs) served as a surrogate for an assessment of hygiene. Relative light unit values were compared by location, season, and "animal contact" or "human contact" surfaces. A mixed model compared RLU levels across different locations and dates.

ATP readings varied across locations, ranging from 5 to 301,158 RLUs, with a mean of 1,441.14 (± 8,951.79), a median of 494, and an IQR of 1,138. Most readings were below 1,000 RLUs (67%), and 37% were below 300 RLUs. Animal contact areas had lower RLU readings compared to human contact areas. The mixed model identified statistically significant variable RLU values by location but not by season.

We observed a wide variation in median RLU values across the sampled locations. This is to be expected since hospital environments are dynamic, with varied animal and human interactions throughout the day as well as changing staffing patterns and patient volumes across different seasons.

Maintaining high hygiene standards is crucial for patient well-being and reducing the risk of healthcare-associated, zoonotic, and antimicrobial-resistant infections. The use of the ATP bioluminometer is one tool to reduce healthcare-associated infections and support better patient outcomes.